Volume Number: 26
Issue Number: 02
Column Tag: Kool Tools

Kool Tools: PowerBookMedic's Dual Drives

Laptop storage souped up

by the MacTech Editorial Staff

Just like Doublemint Gum, PowerBookMedic (http://www.powerbookmedic.com), a provider of parts for Apple laptops and iPods, can double your laptop fun. Or at least double its internal storage capacity thanks to its line of DualDrive devices.

The DualDrive replaces the internal optical drive in a Mac laptop with a second hard drive. The device has a current maximum capacity of up to 750GB for non-Macbook unibody models, and 500GB for Macbook unibody models. This allows for a current maximum internal storage capacity of over 1TB in all MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4, and iBook laptops. The MacBook Pro 17-inch (non Unibody) has a maximum capacity of 1.5TB.

But let's look at the details. When it comes to non-unibody Apple laptops, here's what you can do. You can max out a 17-inch MacBook Pro that comes with 750GB internal max capacity to 1.5TB. You can max out a 15-inch MacBook Pro with 500GB internal max capacity to 1.25TB. You can max out a 13-inch MacBook Pro with 500GB internal max capacity to 1.25TB. You can max out a 15-inch or 17-inch Powerbook G4 with 320GB internal max capacity to 1.07TB. You can max out an iBook G3 or G4 with 320GB internal max capacity to 1.07TB.

When it comes to the unibody models (all MacBook Pros and the MacBook) - with their slimmer designs - the maximum capacity is 1.25TB.

The DualDrive replaces your internal optical drive with a hard drive of your choice (though only 2.5-inch SATA drives will work in the PowerBook Medic solution). This means you'd bid adieu to the CD or SuperDrive in your laptop. Of course, you can can still attach an external drive, such as PowerMedic's External Superdrive DVD/CD Burner and Reader.

This is a slim (6.x x 5.25 x .75 inches), $99 USB 2.0 drive for all Mac laptops. It connects via a USB cable to your Mac laptop to burn CDs and DVDs. The drive reads DVDs (8x) and CDs, burns CDs (16x or 4x rewrite), and burns DVDs (8x). No drivers are necessary, and it works out of the box with iTunes and Disc Burner.

Also, the DualDrive doesn't come with mounting hardware or mounting instructions.The drive will use the mounting brackets that your original drive used. Free "take apart" guides are available from the PowerBook Medic web site. Some machines have multiple brackets, and in some cases multiple brackets won't be required. The drive will sit firmly in place once the machine is completely back together.

Prices start at $60 for a bare DualDrive, with no hard disk included. DualDrive 320GB/5400rpm options are $140, while 500GB/5400rpm options are $180. The 500GB/7200rpm models are $210, and the 750GB/5400rpm choice for non-unibody Macs costs $260.